The largest rooftop solar panel system for any local council in Australia has been switched on at Randwick City Council's Work Depot in Maroubra in Sydney's eastern suburbs, providing 25 per cent of the Depot's annual electricity demand.
A 36 kW system, recently installed by Solgen Energy, was connected with a number of existing panels to create a 48 kW solar power system. The most recent 36 kW installation incorporates 216 photovoltaic modules, generating up to 58 MW of electricity annually, preventing 58t of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
Joint director of Solgen Energy, Joe Coco says that comprehensive monitoring equipment was installed as part of the solar project, enabling council staff to analyse and review the energy savings achieved from the new system.
"Council's Depot installation will use the highest quality Schott solar panel modules, which are ideally suited to Australia's harsh climate and have been proven to outlast competitors in terms of durability and efficiency," he says.
Randwick City Council is an environmental leader in the local government sector having already installed 20 kW of solar panels at council sites, completing major water saving projects, introducing a community car share scheme for its residents.
The council uses a special environmental levy to fund a comprehensive 'Sustaining Our City' program which incorporates a Local Greenhouse Action Plan and a range of community education initiatives such as the annual Eco Living Fair and Give us your Best Green Initiative award for residents, schools and businesses.
